Glen Spey 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #801879 (The Single Cask Ltd.)

A 16 year old Glen Spey from The Single Cask Ltd, distilled in 2008, from cask 801879, at 58.5%, one of 267 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt from Rothes, founded in 1878 as the Mill of Rothes. Its stills carry purifiers, which raise the reflux and return the heavier vapours for a lighter, cleaner spirit.

The spirit was run slowly off the four copper stills, for a delicate make of fresh grass and orchard fruit. Finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask, the wood building on the light spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the malt. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice. A light oiliness carries a waxy thread through the long, slow maturation. Maturation in the racked warehouses is slow and even, the Speyside air cool and steady.

At a hearty 58.5% it carries real weight. Fresh grass, pear and a creamy almond, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The mouthfeel is light, a faint waxiness carrying the fruit. The finish runs delicate, grassy and dry. This is the delicate, grassy malt of Rothes.